Notes from each weeks Quran study

Month: August 2018

[28:12] We forbade him from accepting all the nursing mothers. (His sister) then said, “I can show you a family that can raise him for you, and take good care of him.” [28:13] Thus, we restored him to his mother, in order to please her, remove her worries, and to let her know that GOD’s promise is the truth. However, most of them do not know. [28:14] When he reached maturity and strength, we endowed him with wisdom and knowledge. We thus reward the righteous.

In order for Moses to not accept all the nursing mothers required God to control the existing nursing mothers in addition to Moses’ instincts and the chance event of Moses’ sister being present to suggest her mother.

The parallel between Moses and his teacher in sura 18 and Moses’ history.

[28:9] Pharaoh’s wife said, “This can be a joyous find for me and you. Do not kill him, for he may be of some benefit for us, or we may adopt him to be our son.” They had no idea. [28:10] The mind of Moses’ mother was growing so anxious that she almost gave away his identity. But we strengthened her heart, to make her a believer. [28:11] She said to his sister, “Trace his path.” She watched him from afar, while they did not perceive.

[28:7] We inspired Moses’ mother: “Nurse him, and when you fear for his life, throw him into the river without fear or grief. We will return him to you, and will make him one of the messengers.” [28:8] Pharaoh’s family picked him up, only to have him lead the opposition and to be a source of grief for them. That is because Pharaoh, Hãmãn, and their troops were transgressors.

Parallel between Moses’ mother throwing Moses and Moses commanded to throw his staff.

[28:5] We willed to compensate those who were oppressed on earth, and to turn them into leaders, and make them the inheritors. [28:6] And to establish them on earth, and to give Pharaoh, Hãmãn, and their troops a taste of their own medicine.

Quran: The Ultimate Reference

[5:48] Then we revealed to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming previous scriptures, and superseding them. You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD’s revelations, and do not follow their wishes if they differ from the truth that came to you. For each of you, we have decreed laws and different rites. Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny—all of you—then He will inform you of everything you had disputed.

[30:22] Among His proofs are the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colors. In these, there are signs for the knowledgeable.

The Only Criterion For Distinguishing Among The People [49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.

[28:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [28:1] T. S. M.* [28:2] These (letters) constitute proofs of this profound book. [28:3] We recite to you herein some history of Moses and Pharaoh, truthfully, for the benefit of people who believe. [28:4] Pharaoh turned into a tyrant on earth, and discriminated against some people. He persecuted a helpless group of them, slaughtering their sons, while sparing their daughters. He was indeed wicked.

*28:1 See Appendix 1 for details of the Quran’s miraculous mathematical code, and the meaning or significance of these Quranic Initials.

Interesting in 28:4 that it says that Pharaoh “turned” into a tyrant. Under the right conditions could anyone turn into a tyrant?

Materials of This World: All That The Disbelievers Get

[43:33] If it were not that all the people might become one (disbelieving) congregation, we would have granted everyone who disbelieves in the Most Gracious mansions with silver roofs, and stairs upon which they could climb. [43:34] Their mansions would have impressive gates, and luxurious furnishings. [43:35] Also many ornaments. All these are the temporary materials of this lowly life. The Hereafter—at your Lord—is far better for the righteous.

[17:11] The human being often prays for something that may hurt him, thinking that he is praying for something good. The human being is impatient.

[3:178] Let not the disbelievers think that we lead them on for their own good. We only lead them on to confirm their sinfulness. They have incurred a humiliating retribution.

[6:113] This is to let the minds of those who do not believe in the Hereafter listen to such fabrications, and accept them, and thus expose their real convictions.*

[8:23] Had GOD known of any good in them, He would have made them hearers. Even if He made them hearers, they still would turn away in aversion.

[42:27] If GOD increased the provision for His servants, they would transgress on earth. This is why He sends it precisely measured to whomever He wills. He is fully Cognizant and Seer of His servants.

[27:66] In fact, their knowledge concerning the Hereafter is confused. In fact, they harbor doubts about it. In fact, they are totally heedless thereof. [27:67] Those who disbelieved said, “After we turn into dust, and also our parents, do we get brought out? [27:68] “We have been given the same promise in the past. These are nothing but tales from the past.” [27:69] Say, “Roam the earth and note the consequences for the guilty.” [27:70] Do not grieve over them, and do not be annoyed by their scheming. [27:71] They say, “When will that promise come to pass, if you are truthful?” [27:72] Say, “You are already suffering some of the retribution you challenge.” [27:73] Your Lord is full of grace towards the people, but most of them are unappreciative. [27:74] Your Lord fully knows what their chests hide, and what they declare. [27:75] There is nothing in the heavens and the earth that is hidden (from God); everything is in a profound record. [27:76] This Quran settles many issues for the Children of Israel; issues that they are still disputing. [27:77] And most assuredly, it is a guide and mercy for the believers. [27:78] Your Lord is the One who judges among them in accordance with His rules. He is the Almighty, the Omniscient. [27:79] Therefore, put your trust in GOD; you are following the manifest truth. [27:80] You cannot make the dead, nor the deaf, hear the call, if they turn away. [27:81] Nor can you guide the blind out of their straying. The only ones who will hear you are those who believe in our revelations, and decide to be submitters.

heedless: showing a reckless lack of care or attention.

Do people go astray on their own or does God send them astray?

[23:64] Then, when we requite their leaders with retribution, they complain.

[9:126] Do they not see that they suffer from exacting trials every year once or twice? Yet, they consistently fail to repent, and fail to take heed?

[16:64] We have revealed this scripture to you, to point out for them what they dispute, and to provide guidance and mercy for people who believe.

[2:109] Many followers of the scripture would rather see you revert to disbelief, now that you have believed. This is due to jealousy on their part, after the truth has become evident to them. You shall pardon them, and leave them alone, until GOD issues His judgment. GOD is Omnipotent.

[2:110] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat). Any good you send forth on behalf of your souls, you will find it at GOD. GOD is seer of everything you do.

Angels Pray for the Believers

[40:7] Those who serve the throne and all those around it glorify and praise their Lord, and believe in Him. And they ask forgiveness for those who believe: “Our Lord, Your mercy and Your knowledge encompass all things. Forgive those who repent and follow Your path, and spare them the retribution of Hell. [40:8] “Our Lord, and admit them into the gardens of Eden that You promised for them and for the righteous among their parents, spouses, and children. You are the Almighty, Most Wise. [40:9] “And protect them from falling in sin. Whomever You protect from falling in sin, on that day, has attained mercy from You. This is the greatest triumph.”

[57:22] Anything that happens on earth, or to you, has already been recorded, even before the creation. This is easy for GOD to do.

[16:1] GOD’s command has already been issued (and everything has already been written), so do not rush it.* Be He glorified; the Most High, far above any idols they set up.

[10:61] You do not get into any situation, nor do you recite any Quran, nor do you do anything, without us being witnesses thereof as you do it. Not even an atom’s weight is out of your Lord’s control, be it in the heavens or the earth. Nor is there anything smaller than an atom, or larger, that is not recorded in a profound record.

[27:61] Who is the One who made the earth habitable, caused rivers to run through it, placed on it mountains, and created a barrier between the two waters? Is it another god with GOD? Indeed, most of them do not know. [27:62] Who is the One who rescues those who become desperate and call upon Him, relieves adversity, and makes you inheritors of the earth? Is it another god with GOD? Rarely do you take heed. [27:63] Who is the One who guides you in the darkness of land and sea? Who is the One who sends the winds with good news, signaling His mercy? Is it another god with GOD? Most exalted is GOD, above having any partner. [27:64] Who is the One who initiates the creation, then repeats it? Who is the One who provides for you from the heaven and the earth? Is it another god with GOD? Say, “Show me your proof, if you are truthful.” [27:65] Say, “No one in the heavens and the earth knows the future except GOD. They do not even perceive how or when they will be resurrected.”

Can They Create a Fly?

[22:73] O people, here is a parable that you must ponder carefully: the idols you set up beside GOD can never create a fly, even if they banded together to do so. Furthermore, if the fly steals anything from them, they cannot recover it; weak is the pursuer and the pursued.

Reflections

[56:57] We have created you, if you could only believe! [56:58] Have you noted the semen that you produce? [56:59] Did you create it, or did we? [56:60] We have predetermined death for you. Nothing can stop us— [56:61] from substituting new generations in your place, and establishing what you do not know. [56:62] You know about the first creation. Do you not remember? [56:63] Have you noted the crops you reap? [56:64] Did you grow them, or did we? [56:65] If we will, we can turn it into hay. Then you will lament: [56:66] “We lost. [56:67] “We are deprived.” [56:68] Have you noted the water you drink? [56:69] Did you send it down from the clouds, or did we? [56:70] If we will, we can make it salty. You should be thankful. [56:71] Have you noted the fire you ignite? [56:72] Did you initiate its tree, or did we? [56:73] We rendered it a reminder, and a useful tool for the users. [56:74] You shall glorify the name of your Lord, the Great.

[25:53] He is the One who merges the two seas; one is fresh and palatable, while the other is salty and undrinkable. And He separated them with a formidable, inviolable barrier (evaporation). [25:54] He is the One who created from water a human being, then made him reproduce through marriage and mating. Your Lord is Omnipotent.

Things We May and May Not Know*

[31:34] With GOD is the knowledge regarding the Hour (end of the world).* He is the One who sends down the rain, and He knows the contents of the womb. No soul knows what will happen to it tomorrow, and no one knows in which land he or she will die. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.

[20:15] “The Hour (end of the world) is surely coming; I will keep it ALMOST hidden. For each soul must be paid for its works. [72:26] He is the Knower of the future; He does not reveal the future to anyone. [72:27] Only to a messenger that He chooses does He reveal from the past and the future, specific news.

[10:31] Say, “Who provides for you from the heaven and the earth? Who controls all the hearing and the eyesight? Who produces the living from the dead, and the dead from the living? Who is in control of all things?” They would say, “GOD.” Say, “Why then do you not observe the commandments?”

[39:74] They will say, “Praise be to GOD, who fulfilled His promise to us, and made us inherit the earth, enjoying Paradise as we please.” What a beautiful recompense for the workers!

[28:5] We willed to compensate those who were oppressed on earth, and to turn them into leaders, and make them the inheritors.

[72:27] Only to a messenger that He chooses,* does He reveal from the past and the future, specific news.*

Job 38:4-7 New International Version (NIV)

4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? 6 On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone— 7 while the morning stars sang together and all the angels[a] shouted for joy?

Jeremiah 10:10-14

10 But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. When he is angry, the earth trembles; the nations cannot endure his wrath. 11 “Tell them this: ‘These gods, who did not make the heavens and the earth, will perish from the earth and from under the heavens.’”[a] 12 But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. 13 When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses. 14 Everyone is senseless and without knowledge; every goldsmith is shamed by his idols. The images he makes are a fraud; they have no breath in them.

Jeremiah 14:22

22 Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, Lord our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this.